The Weekender: June 17 – 19

LIGHT up the streets of Belgrave, dive into a history book sale, celebrate the contributions of refugees in your local community or see what Australian woodturning is all about. Justin Lim has your highlights for the weekend.

Experience the enthralling luminary festivities of the Belgrave Lantern Parade this weekend. Running for its tenth year as part of Winter Solstice celebrations, the parade will light up the streets of Belgrave with the soft warm colours of lanterns; lanterns that will come in many forms.

Participants may join the parade if they possess a lantern and wish to carry the spirit of the Winter Solstice theme. A lantern making workshop will be set up early in the day at the Belgrave Library for those who want to be prepared before the parade (bookings essential). Enquiries and bookings for these workshops can be made directly to Belgrave Library at 9800 6489.

After the parade, which will begin at 5.30pm in the Hayes Carpark, attendees can also expect a street party with various performing acts, food stalls and other activities throughout the Village.

Love Egyptian history? What about ancient China? Or the history behind the World Wars?

If you’re a history geek, you may want to check out this book sale being held by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV). The book sale will have a host of pre-loved books with prices as low as $1.

The sale offers an enticing selection of books, be it second-hand, mint-condition or even out-of-print history books on almost every history subject available. Children’s books, cookery books and art books will also be available too!

Profits earned from the sale will be used to raise funds for the RHSV.

As part of Refugee Week celebrations, the Festival of Welcome, happening at Fed Square this Sunday, looks to celebrate the achievements and contributions that refugees have made in Melbourne communities.

Experience live acts and musical performances from a rich selection of artists and listen to inspiring stories from individuals of refugee backgrounds. There will also be delicious culinary delights from the world over at the Global Street Food Market with activities like face painting and more!

Although it is free to attend, if you’re looking to lend your support to the refugees, you may donate when you RSVP your ticket.

Experience the exquisite art of wood turning in the Australian Wood Turning Exhibition. Watch as master artisans carve pieces of wood into pieces worthy of an art gallery.

The exhibition which began during the 1980s, is an annual event open to wood turners of all ranks. The not-for-profit event is held to preserve the art and craft of wood turning, and encourages current generations to pass down their knowledge onto future generations.

If you enjoy craftsmanship of any kind, then this will definitely be the event for you. Entry to the Australian Woodturning Exhibition costs only $5 per adult and is free for individuals under 18.